Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Tender chicken morsels dressed in a luscious garlic butter sauce promise an irresistible meal that brings these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta to life.

Seared to golden perfection, each bite bursts with rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of crispy chicken and silky pasta creates a symphony of textures that comfort and delight.

Melted butter and fragrant garlic infuse every morsel with intense, mouthwatering goodness.

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, tangy note that elevates the entire dish from simple to spectacular.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration of flavor.

Prepare to savor every single delectable bite.

FAQs

• Why use paprika and Italian seasoning in the chicken bites?

These spices add depth of flavor and help create a delicious golden-brown exterior on the chicken, making each bite more flavorful and aromatic.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works well with traditional pasta shapes, you can easily substitute with penne, farfalle, or rotini to match your preference.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level. Without the flakes, the dish is mild and creamy, suitable for most taste preferences.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use whole wheat pasta, reduce the butter quantity, opt for half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and choose skinless chicken breast for a lighter version of the dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 763 kcal

Servings: 5

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Parmesan Pasta Must-Haves

• Chicken Breasts: Succulent, lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates tender, golden bites perfect for this dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Robust, aged cheese that adds deep umami flavor and creamy richness to the sauce.

• Paprika: Warm, slightly sweet spice that provides beautiful color and subtle smoky undertones to chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate all other ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick that adds subtle heat and vibrant complexity.
• Garlic: Intense, aromatic ingredient that brings depth and pungent warmth to both chicken and sauce.

• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy cooking oil that helps achieve perfect golden chicken sear.
• Butter: Rich, creamy fat that adds luxurious flavor and helps create smooth, velvety sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy component that creates silky, indulgent sauce base.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal note as final garnish.

Tools to Help You Cook Chicken Bites with Pasta

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce with even heat distribution.
• Cooking Spatula: Perfect for stirring chicken and mixing pasta in the skillet without scratching the surface.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking, ensuring no excess water remains.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurately adding spices and seasonings.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley as a garnish.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients like garlic and parsley.

Garlic Chicken Bites and Pasta Cooking Instructions

• Boil Pasta

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it in salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

• Sizzle Chicken Bites

Heat up a skillet with a splash of olive oil and a knob of butter. Toss in chicken pieces seasoned with zesty spices. Cook until they’re golden and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

• Create Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, melt more butter and add a burst of garlic. Pour in silky cream and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir until it transforms into a luxurious, velvety sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Bring It All Together

Fold the cooked pasta into the dreamy sauce, making sure every strand gets coated. Gently mix in the chicken bites, letting all the flavors mingle and get to know each other.

• Plate and Enjoy

Shower your creation with fresh chopped herbs. Serve immediately and watch everyone at the table light up with excitement. This dish is pure comfort on a plate!

Smart Enhancements for Chicken Bites & Pasta Combo

• Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that's equally delicious.
• Easily substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to dial up the heat or keep it mild for sensitive palates, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan to create a delectable dairy-free alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

• Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this dish on a large platter, garnished with extra parsley and grated Parmesan, creating a restaurant-style presentation that looks stunning.
• Family-Style Comfort: Place the skillet directly on the table for a cozy, communal dining experience where everyone can serve themselves and enjoy the warm, creamy pasta together.
• Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, garlic-butter flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay, enhancing the overall dining experience and bringing out the dish's subtle notes.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch, knowing the flavors will have intensified overnight, making your midday meal something to look forward to.

Prep-Ahead Tips for Chicken Bites with Pasta

• Transfer leftover chicken pasta to shallow containers, spreading evenly to cool faster within 2 hours after cooking. Cooling quickly prevents bacterial growth and maintains delicious flavor quality.
• Store meal in airtight sealed containers for maximum 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain optimal taste and food safety standards.
• Warm gently in microwave with splash of extra cream or chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir periodically to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
• Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Recommended for best texture retention and flavor preservation.

Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta deliver a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Crispy chicken pieces nestled in rich, garlicky sauce complement silky pasta for a satisfying culinary experience you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 garlic cloves, minced (4 for chicken, 4 for sauce)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 tbsps butter, divided
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ tsp salt (for chicken)
• ½ tsp black pepper (for chicken)
• ½ tsp salt (for sauce)
• ½ tsp black pepper (for sauce)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta to al dente perfection. Drain and set aside, preserving pasta’s ideal texture.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken seasoned with paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden-brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, allowing flavors to intensify for 1-2 minutes. Remove chicken and preserve skillet’s flavorful remnants.
4. Sauce Development: Reduce skillet heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic until fragrant, then pour heavy cream to create a luxurious base. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, transforming the mixture into a silky, smooth sauce.
5. Flavor Harmonization: Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Fold reserved pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Reintegrate seared chicken bites, gently stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while piping hot, maximizing the dish’s aromatic and textural appeal.

Notes

• Choose Chicken Wisely: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tender results.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken exterior without burning, allowing perfect caramelization and moisture retention.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and whisk continuously to prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce without grainy texture.
• Pasta Timing Matters: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing, preventing potential mushiness in final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 763
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg